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William W. Van Tassel

William W. Van Tassel, of Peoria, is a storekeeper in the employ of the Government, and is one of the best officials on the Revenue force in this city. He is a native of the city of New York, born May 6, 1839. His parents, Albert and Harriet (Drawbridge) Van Tassel, were likewise natives of the Empire State.

Our subject grew to man's estate in the city of his birth, and was well educated in its public schools. In the fall of 1862 he came to Illinois, and gave his attention to farming till 1871. Then he took up his residence in Peoria, and engaged in railroading in the freight department, and continued in that relation without interruption until 1889, when he accepted his present position under the government, entering upon his duties the 15th of October. His standing in the community is among our best citizens, those who are most active in advancing all schemes for its social and moral elevation. He and his wife are among the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in this city, and he has been prominent as a Class-Leader for many years.

Our subject was a volunteer in the late war, and his military record is honorable alike to himself and his country, and is commemorated by his connect with Briner Post, G. A. R. Mr. Van Tassel threw aside all personal aims and ambitions to take part in the great conflict, enlisting in the spring of 1862 in the Eighth New York Infantry, and for three months was in the service under Gen. McClellan. In the month of February, 1865, he re-enlisted and became a member of the One Hundred and Forty-eight Illinois Infantry, and was engaged in battles and skirmishes in Tennessee until the close of the war. He was honorably discharged from the army in the month of September, 1865.

Mr. Van Tassel was married in 1861, to Miss Jane Boardman, a native of England, and of their pleasant wedded life eight children have been born, of whom the following six are still living: Robert W., who is engaged in the grain business in Peoria; Edward J., Hattie, George, Alpha and Harrison, all of whom have been well educated in the public schools.

Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state.
Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co. pgs. 1890, 552-553

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